Book Review: The Way I Feel

Author: Janan Cain
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

About This Book:

Silly is the way I feel
when I make a funny face
and wear a goofy, poofy hat
that takes up lots of space

So begins a child's romp through a feelings word book. Feelings are neither good nor bad, they simply are. Kids needs words to name their feelings, just as they need words to name foods, clothes, toys, people, and all the other interesting things in their world.

Strong, colorful, and expressive images go along with the verses to help children connect the word and the emotion. Your child will learn useful words, and you will have many chances to open conversations about what's going on in her/his life.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When it comes to the social and emotional growth of children, this just might be in my top five book picks. The Way I Feel was first released ten years ago and is as relevant today as the day it was published. I get a lot of, 'Yaaaas, I love that book!!' when I show the cover. Not only do they love the illustrations, but they relish the opportunity to discuss feelings and what to do with them. Yes, it may sound cliche for a counselor to highly recommend a book about feelings but I have students who are desperate to have their emotions validated and heard. Author Janan Cain writes a thoughtful note to parents on the last page. She offers four suggestions to parents as they read The Way I Feel to their child (super helpful). I'm so happy this is on my shelf to share with children.

Emotions covered: silly, scared, disappointed, happy, sad, angry, thankful, frustrated, shy, bored, excited, jealous, and proud. 

PS. For the littles, The Way I Feel board book.

A Link to This Book:

2 comments

  1. Thanks, Roxanne! We at Parenting Press love "The Way I Feel," too! In fact, we love it so much that it's also available in Spanish. And, in the fall, there will be a companion book, "The Way I Act." In the meantime, are you using the complimentary how-to plan, "Expressing Emotions"? Go to parentingpress.com, select "Teachers" from the top menu and follow it to "Classroom activities" and a list of resources you can print out and use with clients.

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  2. holy cow! had no clue about those resources (they are awesome), will post them to my blog immediately and will start using them. I cannot wait for "The Way I Act!" or more like - I can't wait for the kids to get to hear it!!

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